The 2021 driver lineup for Front Row Motorsports will feature an increased mix of youth and experience, with the organization scheduled to field a pair of NASCAR Cup Series entries, in addition to an entry in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Michael McDowell will remain with the organization full-time in 2021, continuing to pilot the No. 34 Ford Mustang in the NASCAR Cup Series. Drew Blickensderfer will continue to be the crew chief on the No. 34 team next season. Since joining Front Row Motorsports in 2018, McDowell has scored two top-fives and seven top-ten finishes.
“Michael has really solidified his place as our veteran leader,” continued Jenkins. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that has helped us continue to grow our program.”
“Despite all of its challenges, our 2020 season was one of the best in FRM history,” said McDowell. “I feel like we’ve really been able to hit our stride and I’m excited to channel that momentum into a new season.”
Joining McDowell at Front Row Motorsports will be Anthony Alfredo, who will pilot the No. 38 Ford Mustang full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series next season, with Seth Barbour on top of the pit box. The 21-year-old will make his debut at NASCAR’s top-level in the 2021 DAYTONA 500 and will compete for Rookie of The Year honors.
In 2020, Alfredo piloted the No. 21 Chevrolet Camaro in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for Richard Childress Racing, scoring two top-fives and seven top-10s in 19 starts with the organization.
“This is really an unbelievable moment,” said Alfredo. “When you start out racing karts as a kid, you dream of making it to the sport’s top level. I want to thank Bob Jenkins and everyone at Front Row Motorsports for making this dream a reality. I know the challenges ahead, but I’m here to work hard and prove myself.”
@Team_FRM @TeamDillonMgmt @NASCAR pic.twitter.com/tz0V22Hbbe
— Anthony Alfredo (@anthonyalfredo) January 6, 2021
“We met Anthony and spent time with him when last season ended,” added owner, Bob Jenkins. “We wanted another young driver and someone that fit well into our team. We feel that Anthony is a great match and we look forward to this season together.”
In addition to McDowell and Alfredo, Front Row Motorsports will also field the No. 36 Ford Mustang for David Ragan in the 2021 DAYTONA 500. Derrick Finley will call the shots for the No. 36 in “The Great American Race.”
Front Row Motorsports will return to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2021, with Todd Gilliland once again behind the wheel of the No. 38 Ford F-150. Chris Lawson will be the crew chief.
“Our debut season in the Truck Series with Todd was very successful,” said Jenkins. “We qualified for the Playoffs and had some great runs throughout the year. We’re excited to continue those accomplishments into the future.”
“I’m thrilled to return to Front Row Motorsports next year,” said Gilliland. “Bob has been great to drive for and we’ve got a solid foundation to build up our program moving forward.”
All of Front Row Motorsports’ marketing partners for the DAYTONA 500 and beyond, will be announced at a later date.